Todd Murphy 'trying to manage through heavy workload' after eventful year

Todd Murphy is one of the most talented spinners in Australian cricket at the moment. Earlier this year, he had an impressive debut series in India as he picked up 14 wickets in four matches at an average of 25.21. He also played a couple of Tests against England in the Ashes after Nathan Lyon was ruled out with a calf injury and went on to bag seven wickets at 25.86.

The 23-year-old is trying to get accustomed to the busy schedule being a part of the Australian setup. Murphy had to miss two Sheffield Shield matches for Victoria with stiff shoulders but returned to bowling on November 29 with an eye on next week's Prime Minister's XI versus Pakistan game in Canberra.

"It's been a pretty big 12 months and something I hadn't been exposed to, so it's just been about trying to manage myself through that. There have been challenges with a few little niggles and think the shoulder is just another one of that," Murphy was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

"It was a bit flared up after the UK series then a few Shield games with a high workload and some one-day cricket, it sort of fatigued a bit. So used the opportunity to try and give it a chance to settle down and strengthen it back up for what will hopefully be a pretty busy summer across the board then also some Shield cricket to finish the year. Had in mind it's a long summer and don't want to burn myself too early," Murphy added.

Todd Murphy wants to be ready to seize his opportunity when it arrives

Murphy might have to warm the bench during the upcoming three-match Test series between Australia and Pakistan as Nathan Lyon has returned from injury, however, he wants to be ready when the opportunity arrives.

"It's one of those ones that you always want to make sure you are ready, but Nath's been so durable so even going over to England I probably didn't have it my mind that there would be an opportunity arise that means I would get a game. Obviously it was really disappointing to see him go down with an injury, but it probably reinforces the importance of having a squad that is ready to perform. For me it's really important to be in a position that if that unfortunately does happen again - fingers crossed it doesn't - but if something does arise that I'm in a place that I can take it," Murphy stated.

"Looking forward it's about putting myself in the best place I can for any opportunities that arise down the track. The intensity of both tours [India and the Ashes] was something I hadn't experienced before. So being exposed to that early on is going to set me up going forward and it was great to be a part of. Hopefully, in a home summer, I can build off that and if there is an opportunity I'm set up to go well," he concluded.

The first Test between Australia and Pakistan is scheduled to take place in Perth between December 14-18.